Google fellows connect over lunch and libraries

Yesterday, the American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office hosted the 2013 Google Policy Fellows in a lively discussion about libraries and national public policy and lobbying. The luncheon conversation, organized by ALA’s Google Policy Fellow Jamie Schleser, ranged from telecommunications, E-rate, and copyright to open access to government information, privacy, and surveillance.

Google Fellows visit the ALA Washington Office for a luncheon last year.

Google Fellows visit the ALA Washington Office for a luncheon.

Google Fellows visit the ALA Washington Office for a luncheon.

Google Fellows visit the ALA Washington Office for a luncheon.

Google Fellows visit the ALA Washington Office for a luncheon.

Google Fellows visit the ALA Washington Office for a luncheon.

After an overview of the work done by the Office for Information Technology Policy and the Office of Government Relations, the conversation turned immediately to a series of questions: What will the future of libraries look like? How are librarian roles evolving? How is the ALA funded? Why are libraries interested in privacy and government information issues?

Good questions, indeed. Many of the questions asked by the fellows centered on the ways that technology has affected library programming and services. In response, ALA staff members detailed steps taken by the association to educate policymakers and the public about key role libraries play in the new, technology-driven information ecosystem.

By the end of lunch, the ALA Washington Office staff learned about some of the exciting work the fellows are doing. The fellows walked away with a better understanding of library policy and lobbying work conducted in Washington.

“Mission accomplished,” said Alan Inouye, director of ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy. “We’ve been a part of the Google Policy Fellowship program from its inception in 2008 and view it as a splendid means for introducing students to the Washington policy scene.”